Fourteen paddlers gathered at the Dismal Swamp Canal Ballahack boat ramp for our paddle today. The weather was mild with temperatures in the mid 60s , sunny blue skies and a light breeze as we assembled to begin our paddle. Joining the fun today: Sandy, Christine, Bruce J, Richard, Jack, Steve L, Tim (Steve's friend), Bill, Vic & Margaret, Ellis & Marti, Bob M and Phyllis. We launched our boats into the canal and headed for the feeder ditch. The water was still as glass and the color of dark tea as we quietly dipped our paddles into the leaf strewn surface. We passed basking turtles along the way and occasionally stopped to snatch a plump muscadine from a vine. We took about 2 hours to reach our lunch stop at the Corps of Engineers campground about 4 miles from our starting point. The boat tram was not in service but we helped each other get out of our boats onto dry land . After lunch we decided to check out Lake Drummond because how can you come this far and not touch one of only two natural lakes in Virginia! Lake Drummond was a spectacular site as the wind had picked up and the surface was in constant frenzied motion with waves and whitecaps! Bruce led a few boats along the shore a short distance while most of us stayed close to the feeder ditch entrance. Fifteen minutes was enough of a foray and we headed back to the campground. We clambered out of our boats, took a short break chatting with another group that had paddled that day and then clambered back into our boats on the other side and began our return voyage. Once again the water surface was as still as a mirror reflecting the blue sky and clouds above. So different from the windy chop of the lake! It took another 90 minutes or so to get back to the boat ramp where we loaded up our boats and headed home. Another great day for the Tuesday Group.
Phyllis
Click on the link to enjoy Bob M's pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eX2nTtYjeY2MN7A87
To enjoy Bill B's pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YgzcS3Uha64eE6mu5